In yet another sign of deepening relationship between India and the United States, the Friends of Indian Caucus in the US Senate is holding a rare Congressional reception for the new Indian Ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar.
The reception, to be attended by top Senators from both the Republican and Democratic parties, is scheduled to be hosted by the Friends of India Caucus in the US Senate on July 28 at the Capitol.
"In the 111th Congress, the US Senate India Caucus will continue to serve as a forum for US Senators and Indian leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest," John Cornyn, the Republican Senator from Texas, told PTI.
Cornyn is Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus found on April 30, 2004 - the last day of the then Indian Ambassador to the US, Lalit Mansingh. Senator Chris Dodd is the other Co-Chair of the caucus from the Democratic Party, a position which was held by Hillary Clinton before she was appointed as the US Secretary of State by President Barack Obama.
Looking forward to working with Shankar, Cornyn hoped that the US President will not lose sight of the tremendous importance of bolstering US ties with India, even it is clear the Obama Administration considers the US-China relationship to be a highly important one.
"Robust cooperation between our two nations - the United States, the oldest democracy in the world, and India, the largest one - will take on increasing importance in the decades ahead. I believe India can and should serve as a strong counter-balance to China's growing economic and military power in the region," he said.
"It is clear that the US and India share a commitment to the fundamental principles of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, and I remain committed to further strengthening this friendship," Cornyn said.
The decision of Senate India Caucus to hold the rare reception for Shankar has been welcomed by the Indian-American community.
"The reception shows the growing friendship between US and India," said Ashok Mago, chairman, US India Forum. It will give an opportunity to Ambassador Shankar to meet a number of Senators on that day and build relationship with Senators, he said adding that this is for the first time that the Caucus is holding a reception for an Indian Ambassador in Washington.
"This would also be an opportunity for everyone to meet with Senator Dodd, who took over as its Co-Chair from Hillary Clinton," Mago said, adding the Indian-Americans welcome the new Co chair, who has always shown a strong friendship for India and the community.